Dynamic Pressure Modulation Controller for Water Distribution Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure reducing valve (PRV) systems in water distribution networks often maintain a fixed output pressure, which can be higher than necessary, leading to increased leakage and burst risks, as well as fatigue on the pipe network and inconsistent supply pressure to consumers.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that adjusts the output pressure of the PRV based on real-time flow rate data and time-dependent parameters, using a remote data processing facility to calculate and transmit optimal pressure settings, ensuring adequate pressure at critical points while minimizing unnecessary pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the output pressure of the pressure reducing valve is maintained at a fixed high level, then adequate pressure is ensured at the critical point throughout the DMA, but leakage flow rates and burst rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure modulation by replacing the fixed pressure setting with a time-varying pressure profile. The controller adjusts the PRV output pressure dynamically based on pre-stored time-dependent parameters that reflect actual demand patterns, allowing pressure to vary throughout the day rather than remaining fixed. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining adequate pressure at critical points only when necessary while reducing pressure during low-demand periods to minimize leakage and burst risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from a constant fixed value to a time-dependent variable parameter. The controller stores multiple pressure parameters corresponding to different time periods and demand conditions, selecting appropriate parameters dynamically. This allows the system to optimize pressure levels for different operational conditions, ensuring reliability when needed while reducing harmful effects during low-demand periods.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the output pressure of the pressure reducing valve is reduced to lower average pressure in the DMA, then leakage and burst risks decrease, but pressure may become insufficient at the critical point
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure based on real-time demand conditions represented by time-dependent parameters. During periods when demand is low, pressure is reduced to minimize leakage and burst risks. When demand increases or the critical point requires higher pressure, the controller automatically increases pressure to the appropriate level, ensuring reliability is maintained when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses pre-stored time-dependent parameters that represent feedback from historical demand patterns and system performance. These parameters enable the system to anticipate when pressure adjustments are needed to maintain adequate pressure at critical points while minimizing leakage risks, effectively implementing a feedback mechanism without requiring continuous real-time sensing at all locations.
3Reliability
If fixed high pressure is maintained in the DMA, then adequate supply pressure is provided to all consumers, but pipe network fatigue increases and pressure related consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure adjustment that reduces pressure during low-demand periods, directly reducing the mechanical stress and fatigue on the pipe network. During peak demand periods, pressure is increased to ensure adequate supply to all consumers. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by exposing the pipe network to high pressure only when necessary rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic pressure modulation based on time-dependent parameters that reflect daily and seasonal demand patterns. Pressure is periodically increased during high-demand periods and reduced during low-demand periods, creating a rhythmic pressure profile that maintains consumer supply reliability while reducing cumulative pipe network fatigue over time.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the output pressure of the pressure reducing valve is actively controlled to vary with demand, then average pressure in the DMA is reduced lowering leakage and burst risks, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing time-dependent pressure parameters in the controller before operation begins. These parameters, which represent optimal pressure profiles based on historical data and system characteristics, are loaded into the controller in advance. This eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations or continuous data processing during operation, reducing system complexity while still enabling dynamic pressure adjustment to minimize leakage and burst risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by changing from a simple fixed-pressure parameter to a structured set of time-dependent parameters that are pre-calculated and stored. This parameter transformation approach allows the controller to implement complex dynamic pressure modulation using relatively simple hardware, as the computational complexity is shifted to the offline parameter generation phase rather than the real-time control phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller (8) for a pilot valve (102) which adjusts the output pressure of a pressure reducing valve (44) supplying water to a consumer region (3). With the aim of reducing output pressure whilst still providing a minimum required pressure at a critical point (CP) in the region, the controller adjusts the output pressure in accordance with the flow rate. The controller includes a clock (22) and the relationship between the required output pressure and the measured flow rate is time dependent. Parameters which define the relationship are supplied to the controller (8) from a remote data processing system (13) which analyses flow rate and output pressure data transmitted from the controller, and also pressure data from a remote sensor (10) at the critical point. At intervals, the controller (8) establishes a wireless connection with the remote system (13), to transmit logged data, and to receive parameters covering a period of time which is greater than the interval between communication sessions.